"When I'm high, I feel like I'm swimming in Jello and it makes me mad. When I'm low, I can't think, and my body feels like Jello. It scares me." -- Sugar, age 9
Arizona’s Instrument to Measure Standards -- i.e. AIMS Testing -- started yesterday for Sugar.
I refilled her pump with fresh insulin and changed the battery in her meter this morning. Mr. Rose inserted a Dexcom continuous glucose monitor a few days ago. I brushed up on some nutrition basics, and perused a few websites about foods that help to fuel brain function.I made sure she had at least 60 minutes of exercise the day before, a shower before bed, and a good night's sleep. I tested her blood sugar every 2 hours between 10pm and 6am in an attempt to catch any fluctuations that might require an intervention, and also to make sure Dexcom was portraying an accurate graph of her numbers.
I got up early to give her breakfast bolus 2 hours before the start of testing with a solid 20 minute pre-bolus in a attempt to slow/minimize/prevent an astronomical breakfast spike which could interfere with cognitive function.
I served up GF breakfast burritos with salsa (corn tortillas stuffed with eggs, cheese, and sausage) alongside some strawberries sprinkled with cinnamon and a glass of milk ----> an emphasis on protein to help slow the absorption of carbohydrates.
I told her I believe in her, and reassured her that God has blessed her with a very smart brain. I told her I'm proud of her no matter what and not to worry about the tests, because I already know she'll do great. I kissed her forehead, we slammed a high five, and then I sent her into the world to prove to the State-Standardized-Testing-Powers-Who-Be that she's, well, awesome.
My goal is to set the stage for success, but knowing the nature of Type 1 Diabetes...the unpredictability and random response to a change in variables, I just wasn't sure what to expect. Stress affects BG levels. So does a change in the weather (it was chilly/windy yesterday). She has a bit of a cough, and said her ankle was hurting from dance the night before, and was frustrated that her sister wanted to wear one of her shirts ------ > check, check, check...it all affects blood sugars.
Here's how Day 1 played out:
Day 2 is underway.
To be continued...
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Oh my...AIMS. I have the unhappy duty of being in charge of AIMS testing in our district. The amount of stress that standardized testing puts on children (and their parents) is horrific, let alone the problems this can cause for kids with T1. I feel like an awful person who inflicts pain on our children. I'm really nice! Honest! I believe that our draconian ways need to change, but that's another debate. Your daughter will ROCK her tests! I feel strongly about that because her mother is so caring and proactive and because she's so obviously bright. Good luck Sugar!
ReplyDeleteThose numbers look okay to me. Our testing is this week too, Kort had tests Tues, Wed, Thurs. I did much the same, not too carby dinners the night before, in bed by 8, extra checks thru the night, good breakfast with protein, not the usual cereal, and she's done good so far, her numbers have been great, she says the tests are easy. I am happy with what her numbers have been for testing. (we've had a lot of highs it seems lately), but I am exhausted!
ReplyDeleteSidenote: What I find most frustrating is that her school gives the kids a snack before they start the test. So she eats breakfast at 6:30 goes to school at 7:50am, has a snack at 8am, then test starts at 8:10am. They are giving the kids stuff like fruit snacks, juice, and crackers. I sent in my own snacks for Kort, a 1/2 cup of Healthy Balance juice 3 carbs, 3 Peanut butter crackers 12 carbs, and a slim jim. I gave her a notecard with instructions, check BG if over 150 but less than 200 eat snack and bolus for 15 carbs, if 110-150 eat snack and bolus for 10 carbs, if 80-110 eat snack no bolus, if under 80 or above 200 call mom. And then they do it all over again after lunch. I would rather her not have a snack, but I guess if the other kids are having one she needs one too.
Hang in there! I am a freshman in High school, and state testing is going here, too. (CST in California.) I tested pre test at 190, but came down to 125ish by the end. The thing that worries me is thay have a VERY strict electronic device policy, and a pump alarm might cause some issues. The teachers know I'm T1 and I have a 504, but it might be interesting. Good luck! (:
ReplyDeleteWe've had a recent Celiac diagnosis after my son's T1D diagnosis a couple of years ago. I have to say... Your corn tortilla looks so much better than anything I've come up with. I've tried making them but apparently haven't found the right recipe. What's the secret? :)
ReplyDeleteTesting in Nevada began today :(
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